Let your friends use your computer ... safely
"My friend was on my computer when it happened..."
I've heard this quite a few times lately. It's really a shame when someone who uses their computer for business purposes allows a friend or family to use it, and the next thing you know ... BSOD (blue screen of death) — computer won't boot. And it's never the user's fault, it was simply that the website they visited was infected with malicious code. And this happens on completely sociable websites.
Here is an EASY fix for this:
There is a complete computer platform that can run off of a CD-ROM on your computer — WITHOUT INSTALLATION — that is less than 100MB in size, so it's a pretty fast download, and screamingly fast even low-memory computers. (It will be faster than running Windows on your computer by about a factor of 3.)
Once booted on this CD, your usable programs include:
- An elegant and easy to use desktop (picture)
- Up to date web browser with Flash, etc.
- Word processor
- Spreadsheet
- Graphics viewer
- DVD & audio CD player
- Instant messenger for multiple services
- Online music and video streams can be listened to and viewed
- Picture viewer
- CD/DVD burner
- Games
- Etc.
With all of that, it's FREE, and best of all...
Nothing done while running your computer on this CD will modify your Windows files accidentally. It's still possible for the user to do it on purpose, but NO WEBSITE HE/SHE VISITS CAN ALTER YOUR WINDOWS INSTALLATION. As this is where the troubles I've seen emanate from, problem handled.
Ok, how do you get it?
MacPup.org
When you go there, your download should start shortly. Once downloaded, you will need to burn a CD using that image you downloaded. You will be burning a CD "image" — NOT a data disc. (If you have any questions on how to do that, check the help of the CD burning software you are using for burning a CD image.)
Great! You've got it! Now, how do you use it?
(It would be best if you printed these instructions first.)
- Open your CD drawer and insert the CD
- Re-start (Re-boot) your computer.
NOTE:
ALL CHOICES AND SETUPS BELOW WILL OCCUR ONLY ON THE FIRST TIME YOU BOOT WITH THIS CD UNLESS YOU FORGET TO SAVE YOUR SETTINGS.
If your computer started with Windows, then it is not set to run from the CD first. This can be handled by pressing either F1, F2, F10 or Delete BEFORE you see the very first Windows startup screen. Once in there, there will be a section somewhere labeled "Boot Options" or "Boot Priority" or similar. You need to look at your menu and make sure that the computer tries to boot from CD first, then from the hard drive second. This will ensure that if the CD is not in the drawer, that you will boot Windows normally.
- The first screen with options that you will see is for your keyboard type. If you are using a US English keyboard you can just hit Enter.
- The next screen is for the type of video you will be using. If you have a fairly new computer, simply hit Enter to continue. If you have an older, or low memory computer, using your arrow keys, highlight Xvesa and hit Enter.
- You will now get a choice of screen resolutions. Choose the one that makes sense for your monitor.
NOTE: You can now take the CD out of the tray as it will not be needed anymore.
- To get on the Internet, click on the crossed wrench and screwdriver on the bottom bar (it's labeled "Setup".)
- Now click on "Connect to Internet by network interface"
- If your hardware was detected properly, you will see your network adapter(s) under "Interface".
If you have a wired connection, your Interface Type will be "Ethernet".
If you have a wireless connection, your Interface Type will be "Wireless".
You might have none.
You should have at least one.
You may have both.
You can use whatever is listed here to connect to the Internet.
- Assuming you have a wired connection, do the following:
Click on the button to the right of Interface eth0 that says "eth0".
You should be able to click on "Auto DHCP" and get online.
If you have a static IP for your computer, then you will need to
click on "Static IP" and enter your data.
Once done you can save your settings and close the Puppy Setup
window - you're online - have fun!
- Assuming you have a wireless connection, do the following:
Click on the button to the right of Interface Wireless that says "eth0 or 1".
Now click on the top button labeled "Wireless".
Click on "Scan" below to find your wireless network.
Choose the wireless network you want to use and click Ok.
In the "Edit profile" section:
Choose what type of encryption, if any.
Change the profile name if you wish.
Enter the encryption key.
Click on Save to save to profile for future use.
Click on "Use this Profile" to go.
You should be able to click on "Auto DHCP" and get online.
If you have a static IP for your computer, then you will need to
click on "Static IP" and enter your data.
Once done you can save your settings and close the Puppy Setup
window - you're online - have fun!
NOW, to save these settings so you don't have to go through THAT again:
- Click on the "logout" button on the bottom-right.
- Choose Shutdown
- With "Save to File" highlighted, hit Enter, and Enter again.
- Choose the file system to save your settings file.
This should be the first item labeled either hda# or sda#.
Hit Enter.
- Pick a name for your file and hit Enter.
- Chose "Normal (no encryp.)" and hit Enter.
- Chose a size (if you will have many users, make it bigger) and hit Enter.
- Chose "Yes, Save" and hit Enter.
All done. Next time this will all be automatic and your Windows installation will be protected to a very high degree from malicious websites that your visitors or family might stumble upon.
You can find more information at this location:
http://macpup.org/dingo.php
Cheers!
Dan Renner, Editor
Los Angeles Computerhelp Computer Networking News
Call (818) 352-8700 or email now to enhance your efficiency and productivity.
If you have other questions or need something else, we'll be happy to help.
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